Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get help at WHPS?

Call the staff at the Front Desk to schedule a wellness coaching session, biofeedback, or HIV testing appointment; learn about workshops available for your group; or find out what special programs are coming up.

Health Education and Outreach

How does WHPS promote health and wellness to the UCF community?

We offer workshops on a variety of topics to student groups, classes and organizations. Our Health
Huts (health information gazebos) can be seen all over campus providing health information and fun
activities where students can win prizes. Visit our services page for a
list of in-office services, follow us on Facebook
and check out the calendar on our home page for upcoming events.

How do I schedule a workshop for my group?

Please visit our Wellness Workshop page for more info and to submit a workshop request
form. We request a two weeks notice, 10 person minimum at presentation.

How do I make an appointment?

Students can make an appointment by calling our office at 407.823.5841.

How much does testing cost?

Appointments and testing is always FREE. Insurance information is not needed.

How long does testing take?

Students will receive their results in 15 minutes after the test is administered. Expect appointments to take about 25-35 minutes in order to discuss risk reduction strategies and answer questions.

Who will have information about my status?

Student’s personal information and status will be kept confidential.

What can I expect when I come in for an HIV test?

Students will check in at the front desk and give their birthdate information. Front desk staff will ask students to fill out an intake form and read over a consent form to sign with their HIV counselor. The counselor will discuss the policies and limitations regarding confidentiality and will sign the consent form with the student. After the test is administered using a Clearview® COMPLETE HIV test, the counselor will discuss risk reduction strategies and answer questions regarding testing, sexual health, using protection, HIV and other STDs.

What is the window period?

It takes approximately 2 weeks to 3 months for a test to detect HIV in the blood. This time period is called the window period. If the student has engaged in risky or unprotected sexual behavior, the counselor will suggest the client to retest when they will be outside the window period.

What does it mean to get a non-reactive test result?

A non-reactive test result means that the Clearview® COMPLETE HIV test did not find HIV antibodies in your blood. However, if you have been exposed to HIV it can take up to 3 months for test can detect the presence of the virus.

What does a reactive test result mean?

A reactive test result means that the Clearview® COMPLETE HIV test detected HIV antibodies in your blood. Although this test is highly reliable, it does not guarantee that you are infected with HIV. A confirmatory test result will be administered and the student should make an appointment with Wellness and Health Promotion Services to follow up with the result.

Where can I get condoms on campus?

Wellness and Health Promotion Services offers a variety of condoms in our lobby. There are also condom dispensers at various locations around campus. Please see resources for a condom locator map.

How Does Biofeedback Work?

The Biofeedback counselor places sensors on the body that provide a variety of readings (feedback) which are displayed on the computer for you to see. They can measure skin temperature, muscle tension, heart rate, and sweat produced. As the therapist coaches you through relaxation techniques, these changes are so subtle at first that they cannot be consciously perceived and can be noticed only on the screen. They signal you to continue practicing, and soon you will notice that your body's new relaxation responses and behaviors will become automatic. These new habits can help to bring relief and improvement to a variety of conditions.

What Are the Uses of Biofeedback?

At UCF, Biofeedback is used for relaxation training and stress management purposes. Additionally, it can be used by educators to help people function better and by clinicians to help treat disorders, including anxiety, migraine headaches, tension headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, non-cardiac chest pain and pain from improperly functioning muscles in the jaws, shoulders, back, etc.

Does It Hurt?

Not at all. The small sensors feel like the adhesive on a bandage. The sensors amplify your body's signals and translate them into digital information for view on the computer screen. Our goal is to help you reduce the stress responses that are compromising your body's systems.

How long does it take to get results?

The Relaxation Training program at UCF consists of 6 one-hour sessions. The majority of students report feeling more relaxed immediately. Approximately 85-95% decrease their scores on the Perceived Stress Scale, which is administered at the beginning and end of the program.

How lasting are the effects?

Once the training is complete, most people find that the benefits continue indefinitely. As with any new healthy lifestyle behavior change, you will need to continue to be mindful of your responses to stress and keep up with your relaxation skills by practicing them regularly.

How much does a session cost?

The introduction session is free and you and the Biofeedback Counselor will determine the number of training sessions that is right for you, up to a total of 6. The cost per training session is $10, however students who pay the fee upfront will receive a $10 discount and pay only $50 for the full program. We cannot provide refunds for missed appointments, but you may reschedule an appointment with 24 hours’ notice.

There is no charge for the self-monitored Relaxation Station available at the main office on the first floor of the RWC. Students also have the option of going to the Online Relaxation Training section to download MP3s of guided relaxation training.